Let's see, what all has happened. Well, in May we went to my Brother-in-law Boomer's graduation. You can read about it HERE thanks to my (much better of a blogger) sister-in-law. I have pretty much known Boomer his whole life. I think he was about 4 or 6 month's old when I met him. He is a really awesome guy!
After that I had all of the end of the school year stuff. Now I am off for my first non-working summer since 1992- yes, in 20 years!! I joined a food co-op through my church and have been enjoying the best produce Alabama has to offer each and every week. We have really enjoyed it! I have even learned the finer southern art of "putting stuff up" for use in the winter. I have tried lots of new recipes. I think my family has really enjoyed me being home and having extra time in the kitchen.
Mr. D.'s grandmother Ruthie passed away. She was a fabulous lady. She was classy, always dressed to the nines and never without a fabulous purse. She was so dear. I always liked her and especially enjoyed our last visit together watching her play with Shelby. Here is the link to that visit. They were peas in a pod. Meredith shared some lovely words about her here. We have so many wonderful memories of Ruthie!
Mr. D.'s other Grandmother is not doing well either. We are certainly hopeful for her recovery.
We have been on the move this summer. Shelby started ballet. She takes it on Tuesdays. It is a beginner class to help us gauge her interest. We have successfully gauged that we will try again when she is three or four. She really isn't fond of this class right now. I thought it would grow on here like Gymboree did, but alas we have 3 classes left and she is just not jazzed about it. She does however look fabulous in her ballet gear!
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I think I mentioned before that we quit Gymboree. We have been very active at the YMCA. We have had such a fun summer there. I have been meeting my friends and working out and then we take the kids swimming. Shelby is a fish in the water and fearless. We are going to take more swim lessons. She loves it and does amazingly well for a child who isn't even two yet. I have been taking Aqua Zumba on Thursday nights and while I am in class, Mr. D. has been taking Shelby for a night swim. She loves being in the water.
We have visited with both of Mr. D.'s families this summer in Georgia and in South Carolina. You can see Meredith's recap of the SC trip here. We have also spent some time with my family. Shelby and I went there for almost a week while Mr. D. was out of town and my living room, kitchen and dining room were being painted. I have been working on my photography skills and I have taken some really good photos of Shelby this summer. We have also been working on decluttering around the house...which is a project in itself.
I have been reading books, researching projects and relaxing this summer as well. It has been fabulous! I am so glad for the opportunity to take the summer off.
Let's see, Donovan, Kaleigh, Rylee and Henry have all had birthdays recently. Everyone is getting older and cuter. Shelby will be two in just a couple of weeks. Her party is coming together......but it will not be as big of a party as last year..........(or will it??). I am most excited about her favors that are coming from a fabulous baker in NY. http://www.kreatedbykristan.com/
Mr. D. and I celebrated our 13th Anniversary. We didn't take a trip this year but have planned a family trip for the three of us at the beach in the fall. We did have a nice dinner out which was fabulous. Mr. D. has big things going on at work so I was glad to be able to snag him away for some one on one time. I can't imagine how tired he must be from working so much lately.
What else??....My friend Cookie (Courtney, or Ki and Avi's Momma) had a new baby girl this summer. They named her Mila. Oh, and I got a new car-- a Nissan Murano. I love it. My cousin Kim (or Rylee's Momma) is having a baby boy in the next few weeks too. I am hoping Bryce is born on my birthday, but Kim has assured me that she is not wanting to wait that long! It's hot, I don't blame her!
Shelby is teething right now and a hot mess. I think these last four molars have been worse than all of the other teeth combined. I am so glad to have been able to be home with her during this time.
Thought are already turning to fall...........back to school, Gamecock Football, crock pot cooking, Patriots, Halloween, and of course planning what Shelby and Henry might wear at Thanksgiving and if we decided to attempt Christmas pajama pics EVER again. I know this will be a different Fall than usual with all that Mr. D. has going on at work, but I am definitely looking forward to cooler air and will be thankful for any family time we get.
